gemstone

Aura Turquoise or Treated Turquoise Beads

Hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O) with metallic coating

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale; Color: Robin's egg blue to greenish-blue with iridescent metallic flash; Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous with metallic sheen; Crystal Structure: Triclinic

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous with metallic sheen

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale; Color: Robin's egg blue to greenish-blue with iridescent metallic flash; Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous with metallic sheen; Crystal Structure: Triclinic

Formation & geological history

Formed by the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing copper-bearing minerals, commonly in arid regions, subsequently treated with a metallic vapor coating for an iridescent finish.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for jewelry making, beading, and ornamental crafts.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gem materials, prized by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Native Americans. The iridescent variant is created through modern alchemical processes bonding metals to the surface.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic light blue color paired with a metallic rainbow sheen, commonly sold in strands or loose bead form for crafting.

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